I'm excited by all the improvements to our sugaring operation this year! We're strengthening this enterprise in a way that will really promote learning about working forests, stewardship, and Vermont's growing maple industry.

New sap lines in the sugarbush are stretched tight and pitched perfectly, promising increased sap production. A flip of the switch will set the new vacuum pump humming as it encourages sap to flow from the trees. The levers are set on a reverse osmosis machine and the evaporator is leveled and ready to go. It's been so rewarding to be part of this phase of the sugarbush upgrade project, from initial brainstorming and planning to implementing it in the woods.

Now we just need the weather to cooperate so we can fire up these new systems, make the final product (maple syrup, yum!), and share the process with all the students and visitors who come to connect to their food and the land. See you in the sugarbush!

Dana BishopNatural Resources & Assistant Woodlands Manager

This year's investments are the first phase in a 2-year plan to upgrade our sugaring operation. Your support makes this possible.

This past weekend we welcomed 27 farmers and educators to what's become another rite of spring at the Farm: our ABCs of Farm-based Education workshop. Their stories are inspiring, their work invaluable, and our opportunity to support and connect them? Priceless. Read more.

Cookbook at work (& on sale!)

Math students from Edmunds Middle School in Burlington recently prepared falafel nuggets, sweet potato black bean salad, and carrot soufflé for taste tests in their cafeteria -- all recipes from New School Cuisine: Nutritious and Seasonal Recipes for School Cooks by School Cooks. Developing life skills and math skills: a great combo!

On February 20 we welcomed "Jericho," our first calf of 2014! Each year the Dairy staff chooses a theme for naming the calves. This year it's Vermont towns. In addition, 32 ewes have given birth so far this spring to twins, triplets, even quadruplets!

Meet the calves at Dairy Day, Sun., May 4. Your first chance to visit the lambs will be at Maple Open House, when we'll bring a few up to the Farmyard. Or join us for Leaping Lambs & Shear Delights on Sat., April 12!

Spring Soiree & Benefit

Be the cat's meow at our Soiree and help support the Farm's education programs! Join us at the Inn on Friday, May 2 for live music with Mint Julep, hors d'oeuvres, cash bar (Prohibition's over!), and live auction items. Check out photos from last year.